Hi - I received a crazy deal on a new board (custom flying V) and wanted to get some opinions. Is it necessary to use the EST bindings? When I say necessary, I mean is there a noticeable difference? I am happy with my existing bindings (2008 Triads), but if there will be a good difference with the EST bindings, I am willing to upgrade. I have already ordered the Malavita EST's, but will take them back unless there are some valid reasons I should keep them considering my current bindings and the new custom flying v board I got. Thanks!

Hi - I received a crazy deal on a new board (custom flying V) and wanted to get some opinions. Is it necessary to use the EST bindings? When I say necessary, I mean is there a noticeable difference? I am happy with my existing bindings (2008 Triads), but if there will be a good difference with the EST bindings, I am willing to upgrade. I have already ordered the Malavita EST's, but will take them back unless there are some valid reasons I should keep them considering my current bindings and the new custom flying v board I got. Thanks!

Nah, it's not necessary, especially if you're happy with the bindings you have.

Some reasons....
-canting (If you're interested or have tried and like it)

-"board feel" I may be a little too n00bish to comment on this, but while I can tell there's a difference, there's not enough of one for me to call this a deal maker.

-The Malavitas have the hinge, which I actually like, it makes my feet less tired and you really have just the slightest amount more oomph when snapping an ollie. (As well as I can snap it.)

Re:Flex is the perfect combination of the two. More board flex/feel, additional tech that's in the EST bindings aaaaaaaaand they work on any board.

I have a custom restricted that I got on sale and didn't have money to buy ESTs so I used my Forum Factions. They worked fine but it got to be a pain to check the screws before I rode because they covered up by the foot bed. Other than that it was all good. I ended up buying Cartels and the Malavitas for it.

I noticed a difference in feel when riding with EST's the first couple times, but I don't seem to anymore so the enhanced feel may have just been in my head or I got used to it. I'd keep the ESTs if money is not an issue, they are nice to have and feel great. But if you don't want to spend the money I'd return them and just use your old ones.

I have a custom restricted that I got on sale and didn't have money to buy ESTs so I used my Forum Factions. They worked fine but it got to be a pain to check the screws before I rode because they covered up by the foot bed. Other than that it was all good. I ended up buying Cartels and the Malavitas for it.

I noticed a difference in feel when riding with EST's the first couple times, but I don't seem to anymore so the enhanced feel may have just been in my head or I got used to it. I'd keep the ESTs if money is not an issue, they are nice to have and feel great. But if you don't want to spend the money I'd return them and just use your old ones.

Thanks! The EST's arrive on Monday. I will check them out and then decide. I am leaning towards keeping them.